Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2675
Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

ID: C001118

Follow the money

The bill

Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act

HR. 2675, 119th Congress β€” read as touching Private Equity & Hedge Funds.

The sponsor

Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$67,000 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 608.

June 14, 2026

Introduced

πŸ“ Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

πŸ›οΈ

Committee Review

πŸ—³οΈ

Floor Action

βœ…

Passed House

πŸ›οΈ

Senate Review

πŸŽ‰

Passed Congress

πŸ–ŠοΈ

Presidential Action

βš–οΈ

Became Law

πŸ“š How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the geniuses in Congress. The "Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act" - because, you know, our courts were just begging to be protected from those dastardly foreigners. (Sarcasm alert.)

Let's dissect this farce. The bill claims to increase transparency and oversight of third-party funding by foreign persons, but don't worry, it's just a smokescreen for the real agenda: lining the pockets of special interest groups and campaign donors.

Now, about those "total funding amounts and budget allocations"... (dramatic pause) Oh wait, there aren't any. This bill is more concerned with grandstanding than actual governance. It's like trying to diagnose a patient without checking their vitals - pointless.

As for "key programs and agencies receiving funds", I'll give you a hint: it's not about funding courts or protecting national security. It's about feeding the beast of bureaucratic red tape and empowering lawyers to litigate ad nauseam.

Notable increases or decreases? Ha! This bill is a masterclass in obfuscation. You'll need a team of forensic accountants to untangle the web of amendments, riders, and policy provisions attached to this monstrosity.

Speaking of which, let's talk about those "riders or policy provisions". Ah, yes, the usual suspects: more power for the Attorney General, more money for lawyers, and more opportunities for crony capitalism. It's like a bad game of legislative Jenga - remove one block, and the whole thing comes crashing down.

Fiscal impact and deficit implications? (Chuckles) Oh, please. This bill is a drop in the ocean compared to the real fiscal hemorrhaging happening in Washington. It's like trying to treat a patient with a Band-Aid when they need open-heart surgery.

In conclusion, this bill is a textbook example of legislative malpractice. It's a cynical attempt to manipulate public opinion while serving the interests of the powerful and well-connected. So, to all the voters out there, let me offer some advice: don't be fooled by the fancy title or the pseudo-patriotic rhetoric. This bill is a disease, and the only cure is to vote out the incompetent politicians who keep peddling this nonsense.

Related Topics

Executive Branch OversightFederal Budget & AppropriationsJudiciary & Legal Reform
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

πŸ’° Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

Congress 119 β€’ 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$67,000
13 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$1,000
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
THE CHICKASAW NATION
1 transaction
$1,000

No committee contributions found

1
JOHNSON, CAMERON MR.
3 transactions
$9,900
2
STOLTZFUS, MICHAEL
2 transactions
$6,600
3
CLINE, JULIA S MRS.
2 transactions
$6,600
4
CARTLEDGE, GEORGE B MR. III
2 transactions
$6,600
5
GOOD, JOHN P JR
2 transactions
$6,600
6
KIRK, JOHN W MR.
2 transactions
$6,600
7
MCNICHOLS, ROBERT MR.
2 transactions
$6,600
8
ROSENBERG, DIANE MS.
1 transaction
$3,300
9
STOLTZFUS, MELISSA
1 transaction
$3,300
10
UIHLEIN, RICHARD MR.
1 transaction
$3,300
11
MCLEOD, JOHN G. MR.
1 transaction
$3,300
12
PEARMAN, JAMES E. MR. JR.
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]

ID: F000475

Top Contributors

10

1
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
COMPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
May 29, 2024
2
PRAIRIE ISLAND TRIBAL COUNCIL
COMWELCH, MN
$2,500
Feb 15, 2023
3
REPUBLICAN MAINSTREET PARTNERSHIP PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Jul 28, 2023
4
WATONWAN COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
COMSAINT JAMES, MN
$800
May 30, 2024
5
ANDERSON, ROLLIS H
ANDERSON TRUCKING SERVICE β€’ CEO
IndividualSAINT CLOUD, MN
$13,200
Mar 20, 2024
6
KROLL, MARK W
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualCRYSTAL BAY, MN
$13,200
Mar 31, 2023
7
SONNEK, KATHLEEN M
SELF β€’ WRITER
IndividualLAKE CRYSTAL, MN
$10,000
Sep 21, 2023
8
HALKYARD, JONATHAN
MGM RESORTS β€’ CFO
IndividualLAS VEGAS, NV
$9,423
Mar 26, 2024
9
KING, RUSSELL S
KING CAPITAL LLC β€’ CEO
IndividualMINNEAPOLIS, MN
$6,870
Dec 24, 2023
10
MILLER, HUGH L
RTP COMPANY β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualWINONA, MN
$6,600
Mar 28, 2024

Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

ID: W000804

Top Contributors

10

1
THE CHICKASAW NATION
PACADA, OK
$3,300
Jun 17, 2024
2
THE CHICKASAW NATION
PACADA, OK
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
3
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationDURANT, OK
$3,300
Dec 14, 2023
4
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Feb 8, 2024
5
KEHOE, MICHAEL PATRICK
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$13,200
Jun 2, 2023
6
GIFFORD, BILLY
ALTRIA GROUP INC. β€’ CEO
IndividualMIDLOTHIAN, VA
$6,600
Sep 26, 2023
7
PAYNE, DANIEL E.
PAYNE INC β€’ CEO
IndividualFREDERICKSBURG, VA
$6,600
Nov 29, 2023
8
CASEY, ARTHUR S.
CASEY AUTO GROUP β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualNEWPORT NEWS, VA
$6,600
Mar 29, 2023
9
PAYNE, DANIEL E.
PAYNE INC β€’ CEO
IndividualFREDERICKSBURG, VA
$6,600
Nov 29, 2023
10
KANTNER, CHRIS
UKROP'S FOOD GROUP β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$6,600
Jan 12, 2024

Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]

ID: G000603

Top Contributors

10

1
BOERNE STAGE AIRFIELD
OrganizationBOERNE, TX
$2,500
Mar 12, 2024
2
HOLMES LAW
OrganizationDALLAS, TX
$500
Feb 14, 2024
3
WILLIAMS, JOHN
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualWESLEY CHAPEL, FL
$6,818
Feb 6, 2024
4
AZRIELI, MATTHEW
BASTE RECORDS β€’ EXECUTIVE
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023
5
BENNETT, MATT
CHRISTIAN UNION β€’ MINISTER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023
6
GILL, BEVERLY
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualCLYDE, TX
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023
7
GILL, JUDITH
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualCLYDE, TX
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023
8
GILL, RUSSELL
DELTA AIR LINES β€’ PILOT AND RANCHER
IndividualCLYDE, TX
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023
9
GILL, JUDITH
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualCLYDE, TX
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023
10
SCHOOLEY, BRUCE
NOBLE PRODUCTIONS INC β€’ SELF-EMPLOYED
IndividualALAMO, CA
$6,818
Nov 20, 2023

Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

ID: V000138

Top Contributors

10

1
LUX FOR VIRGINIA
OrganizationLADYSMITH, VA
$500
Mar 29, 2024
2
LUX FOR VIRGINIA
OrganizationLADYSMITH, VA
$500
Mar 31, 2024
3
FORSTER-BURKE, DIANE
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCOTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UT
$4,000
Apr 20, 2024
4
FORSTER-BURKE, DIANE
IndividualCOTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UT
$4,000
May 5, 2024
5
VON STEIN, THOMSON
IndividualROCKVILLE, MD
$3,500
Aug 7, 2024
6
HULL, MEGAN
SELF β€’ ACTIVIST
IndividualWASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 2, 2024
7
KAISER, GEORGE
GBK CORPORATION β€’ EXECUTIVE
IndividualTULSA, OK
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
8
PARSONS, KATHLEEN
NOT EMPLOYED β€’ NOT EMPLOYED
IndividualPOTOMAC, MD
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
9
STAPLE, HARISE
SELF β€’ MD
IndividualLOS ALTOS, CA
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
10
HOLMES, LAURA
SELF β€’ REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
IndividualBOCA RATON, FL
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024

Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1]

ID: F000474

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
2
DEMOCRACY ENGINE, LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1,919
Jun 24, 2024
3
SUGAR CREEK REALTY
OrganizationSAINT LOUIS, MO
$1,500
Oct 1, 2024
4
DEMOCRACY ENGINE, LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$959
May 28, 2024
5
LAMA COMMUNITY TRUST
OrganizationSAN CRISTOBAL, NM
$833
Jun 26, 2024
6
RADCLIFFE GILBERTSON & BRADY
OrganizationLINCOLN, NE
$500
Oct 20, 2024
7
CASSLING, MICHAEL
CASSLING β€’ CEO
IndividualOMAHA, NE
$13,200
Mar 13, 2023
8
BRADFORD VI, DANA
C3 BRANDS β€’ CEO
IndividualOMAHA, NE
$6,600
Mar 28, 2023
9
HAWKINS JR, FRED
HAWKINS CONSTRUCTION β€’ CONSTRUCTION
IndividualOMAHA, NE
$6,600
May 11, 2024
10
DUGGER, CATHERINE
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualOMAHA, NE
$6,600
Oct 21, 2024

Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]

ID: I000056

Top Contributors

10

1
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
2
MASHANTUCKET (WESTERN) PEQUOT TRIBE
OrganizationMASHANTUCKET, CT
$3,300
Oct 25, 2023
3
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND MIVOK INDIANS
OrganizationSHINGLE SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Oct 25, 2023
4
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 26, 2024
5
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Jun 28, 2023
6
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$3,300
Jun 29, 2023
7
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
OrganizationATMORE, AL
$3,300
Jul 26, 2023
8
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
9
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Aug 2, 2024
10
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND MIWOK INDIANS
OrganizationSHINGLE SPRINGS, CA
$3,000
Oct 30, 2024

Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]

ID: S001224

Top Contributors

10

1
TUCKER HILL HOA
OrganizationALLEN, TX
$300
Jun 15, 2023
2
MULLIGI, GINO
NAPOLIAC'S β€’ MANAGER
IndividualWYLIE, TX
$9,000
May 23, 2023
3
FRITCHER, SAMMY
AIRBORNE ASPECT INC β€’ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
IndividualPLANO, TX
$6,600
Aug 19, 2024
4
LOBB, PAT
SELF β€’ CAR DEALER
IndividualFRISCO, TX
$6,600
Aug 31, 2024
5
MYERS, ROBERT
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualMCKINNEY, TX
$6,600
May 19, 2023
6
HUFFINES, RAY
HUFFINES AUTO DEALERSHIPS β€’ AUTO DEALER
IndividualPLANO, TX
$6,600
May 26, 2023
7
MOSES, FRED
TELCOM ELECTRIC SUPPLY
IndividualPLANO, TX
$6,600
Mar 9, 2023
8
LI, QINGSONG
SONGHAO HOLDINGS LLC β€’ OWNER
IndividualPLANO, TX
$6,000
May 3, 2023
9
CHALIN, THOMAS
NONE β€’ RETIRED
IndividualFAIRVIEW, TX
$5,800
Jan 30, 2024
10
CHALIN, THOMAS
NONE β€’ RETIRED
IndividualFAIRVIEW, TX
$5,800
Aug 12, 2024

Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

ID: B001295

Top Contributors

10

1
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Feb 21, 2024
2
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Aug 14, 2024
3
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationMIAMI, OK
$2,000
Aug 14, 2024
4
CAMPBELL FARMS
OrganizationCARMI, IL
$1,500
Sep 19, 2023
5
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK
$1,000
Jun 25, 2024
6
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK
$500
Jun 25, 2024
7
WAITE, TOMB & EBERLY LLP
OrganizationTROY, OH
$500
Apr 1, 2024
8
EMMET, RICHARD
NONE β€’ RETIRED
IndividualLARCHMONT, NY
$6,600
Nov 21, 2023
9
GILLIAM, RICHARD
CUMBERLAND DEVELOPMENT β€’ MANAGER
IndividualCHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
$6,600
Nov 21, 2023
10
SCHWAB, CHARLES
CHARLES SCHWAB CORPORATION β€’ CHAIRMAN
IndividualPALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Dec 19, 2023

Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

ID: K000399

Top Contributors

10

1
AIPAC- EARMARKS
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$2,000
Oct 22, 2024
2
PEAKE FOR SENATE
COMLYNCHBURG, VA
$500
Jan 9, 2024
3
PEAKE FOR SENATE
COMLYNCHBURG, VA
$250
Jan 9, 2024
4
KEHOE, MICHAEL
KINSALE MGMT INC β€’ CEO
IndividualRICHMOND, VA
$13,200
Jun 8, 2023
5
MITCHUM, ELZA
C & M INDUSTRIES β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualCHESAPEAKE, VA
$6,600
Oct 18, 2023
6
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualMIAMI BEACH, FL
$6,600
Oct 17, 2023
7
PERRY, J DOUGLAS
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualNORFOLK, VA
$6,600
Nov 6, 2023
8
WEEKLEY, RICHARD
SELF EMPLOYED β€’ REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
IndividualHOUSTON, TX
$6,600
Nov 8, 2023
9
GILLIAM, MARVIN
RETIRED β€’ RETIRED
IndividualBRISTOL, VA
$6,600
Mar 30, 2024
10
BOHANNON, DAVID
LONDON BRIDGE TRADING INC. β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualVIRGINIA BEACH, VA
$6,600
May 23, 2024

Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]

ID: A000379

Top Contributors

10

1
OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationRED ROCK, OK
$3,300
Jun 21, 2023
2
CM DUBOIS STRATEGIES LLC
OrganizationWEBSTER GROVES, MO
$2,000
Mar 18, 2024
3
WAYPOINT CONSULTING LLC
OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC
$1,100
Dec 13, 2023
4
CHERRY, DERON
UNITED BEVERAGE COMPANY β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualKANSAS CITY, MO
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
5
CHERRY, DERON
UNITED BEVERAGE COMPANY β€’ PRESIDENT
IndividualKANSAS CITY, MO
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
6
REDFORD, STAN
REDFORD CONSTRUCTION β€’ OWNER
IndividualRAYMORE, MO
$3,300
Jul 26, 2024
7
THOMPSON, CRAIG
GOLDEN VALLEY HEALTH β€’ CEO
IndividualCLINTON, MO
$3,300
Sep 7, 2024
8
COOPER, SHANNON
Individual
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
9
GRAY, CHARLES M
REMAX β€’ BROKER
IndividualCLINTON, MO
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
10
GUTHRIE, JASON
J&S FARMS β€’ OWNER
Individual
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 40 nodes and 36 connections (30 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $105,237

Top Donors - Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

Showing top 13 donors by contribution amount

1 Org12 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 harmed.

  • Section 2(c) prohibits third-party funding by foreign states and sovereign wealth funds, which may limit the ability of private equity and hedge funds to engage in certain litigation funding activities.

  • Section 2(b) requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements, which may increase transparency and scrutiny of lobbying and law firms involved in such activities.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β€” they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HARMS

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